At SUREWiSE, we think it’s a great idea for you to meet our team.
SUREWiSE is made up of a large team of insurance professionals who all work together to protect our client’s and their assets. Throughout your interactions with our organisation, you probably won’t get to meet everyone so this is just one way we can introduce our team to you.
In this article, let’s get to know Mark Gabell.
Born in Adelaide, South Australia, Mark is the eldest of four siblings and has been happily partnered for over 8 years. Mark joined SUREWiSE in July 2017 as Business Manager and has a strong background in business management, human resources and relationship development.
Following his appointment to the senior management team, Mark has been actively involved with the organisation’s restructure and culture development following the merger of three brokerages to form SUREWiSE.
As Business Manager, Mark is responsible for operations management, human resources, compliance, marketing, website & social media, and implementing best business practices to ensure clients receive the best experience possible from the SUREWiSE team.
What are your professional qualifications?
My professional qualifications include; the Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking); Diploma of Business Management; Advanced Diploma of Marketing; Diploma of Human Resources Management; and the Diploma of Leadership and Management. I am also a Qualified and Practicing Insurance Broker (QPIB) with the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA).
What do you like most about working in the insurance industry?
Working within the insurance industry can provide exceptional career opportunities. I have been fortunate enough to be involved in areas such risk management, underwriting, insurance broking and business operations management. The insurance industry has some great leaders and technical experts who have provided me with valuable skills and experiences. Every day provides an opportunity to learn something new or to pass your knowledge on to others.
What do you like most about working for SUREWiSE?
I enjoy working with the close-knit team of professionals at SUREWiSE. Given the amount of time we spend with each other in the office, the team are like my second family. The senior management team encourages the team to spend time with each other and provides regular opportunities to wind down and relax. There is a great sense of pride amongst the team, team members work together to overcome obstacles and learning and development is promoted and encouraged as part of the organisation’s new culture.
What is the most challenging thing you find working in the insurance industry?
Working in the insurance industry certainly has its challenges but it’s how these challenges are approached and overcome that’s most important. One of the biggest challenges the insurance industry currently faces is how we can effectively knowledge share and promote insurance as an exciting career opportunity for tomorrow’s leaders.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Like everyone, I enjoy taking time to relax and focus on my personal interests. My top hobbies and interests include travelling, hiking, camping, swimming and photography, among others.
Where have you travelled?
I love travelling and experiencing different cultures and food. Internationally, I have travelled to the USA (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco and New York); Europe (United Kingdom, The Netherlands, France, Italy and Greece); Asia (Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong); and New Zealand. Within Australia, I have travelled throughout South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania. I must say that I absolutely love what Tasmania has to offer and want to explore more.
If you could have a month-long holiday anywhere in the world, where would you travel to and why?
It’s difficult to pin point where I would like to travel if I had a month long holiday opportunity anywhere in the world. But, I would have to say Croatia is my must see destination simply because of the amazing pictures and stories from other travellers who describe it as amazingly beautiful.
Do you have any future travel aspirations?
My future travel aspirations include Croatia, Canada, Alaska, Switzerland, the Amalfi Coast in Italy and a return to explore even more of Tasmania. I also recently booked a short holiday to Bali for mid-2019.
What is your favourite food?
My favourite food would have to be desert. I have a very sweet tooth and love milk chocolate, especially Haighs. Other than sweets, I love Italian and Thai food.
What is the name of your favourite restaurant?
My food interests are far and varied. I really enjoy fresh produce straight to the plate. Restaurants such as Peel Street Restaurant in Adelaide are appealing.
What is your favourite movie?
My favourite movie is ‘The Siege’, starring Denzel Washington. It’s about a terrorist attack in New York City and focuses on the joint efforts of the FBI and CIA who investigate the attack.
Who is your favourite actor or actress?
My favourite actor is Denzel Washington. I think he’s a great actor with outstanding acting abilities.
What is your favourite type of book to read?
My favourite type of book to read is a thriller or murder mystery.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by overcoming challenges. I enjoy finding ways to make things happen because I believe anything is possible – it’s just a matter of looking beyond the usual boundaries.
What’s most important to you?
Chocolate. No seriously, other than chocolate it’s family, friends and those around me who I love and care for. In addition, being happy and enjoying what life has to offer is also important to me.
What makes you happy?
Happiness to me is being healthy and having the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family. Happiness is also about being challenged and keeping the mind active.
What is something unusual about you?
I apparently sleep walk and sleep talk frequently.
What is the most embarrassing thing to happen to you?
I seem to attract embarrassing moments. In fact, most are too embarrassing to even mention… so I won’t.
What is your favourite sport?
I enjoy swimming and the AFL.
Which team do you support in the AFL?
I follow and support the Port Adelaide Football Club. Go Power!
This article provides a little more insight into Mark Gabell. To speak directly with Mark, please call him on 08 8413 6325 or 0412 278 048 or email markg@steadfastbrecknock.com.au. A reminder that you can also schedule a Skype video call with Mark if that’s more convenient for you. You can also add Mark to your LinkedIn network.
